Free A Message for Julia by Angel Smits Page A

owners and the government.”
    Julia sighed, doubting it. She hadn’t been able to persuade Linc to include her concerns about kids working the mines in his report. He hadn’t agreed with her. Was there any chance now that his report on this mine might make a difference?
    What if he didn’t come out of this even to file a report?
    Before her panic could totally overwhelm her, she and Trish walked into the tent. She stepped into the sudden dimness, waiting while her eyes adjusted.
    A row of cots had been set up in the back. Metal folding chairs and several long tables made up uneven rows. One table off to the side held a large coffeepot, cups and several covered dishes.
    Bless the women of Parilton. They might not be able to dig for coal, but they sure could cook. Before this was over, the table would be laden with enough casseroles to feed an army.
    And the rescue crews fit that bill. They’d wolf it down in between trips into the mine. Julia looked away fromthe food, away from the images it conjured of long hours spent not knowing.
    Instead, she focused on the coffeepot. She craved a jolt of caffeine and led Trish to the table to fill a cup. The dark brew scalded her tongue and throat going down.
    Perfect.
    Voices came through the tent opening. Almost as one, she and Trish turned. Patrick led a small group inside. A big, burly man among them called out, “Trish. Where’s Trish?”
    Trish’s arm left Julia’s for the first time since that moment in the gym. A wave of loneliness swept over her as Trish moved away.
    â€œDaddy,” Trish cried and sped across the tent. The man enfolded her in his arms. She let loose and sobbed into the front of his flannel shirt.
    Patrick lifted his hand. “Can I have your attention?” Everyone, including Trish, looked up hopefully. “I need you all to make a list of anyone who will be joining you here.” Disappointment hung in the air as he handed out pieces of paper. “The police are going to keep everyone else out.”
    Shirley spoke up from the back of the group. “My daughter’s going to be flying in from Georgia.”
    â€œPut her name on your list and we’ll be sure to let her in. And if you talk to her, to anyone, tell them to have their ID handy.”
    Shirley stepped forward. “Has anyone contacted Mamie Hastings?”
    â€œWho’s she?” Patrick asked.
    â€œHer son Robert’s on Gabe’s crew. He’s down there,I’m sure. I didn’t see him come into the gym.” She waited until Patrick nodded. “She lives over at Shady Pines Retirement Home in Hillsville.”
    â€œI doubt she knows,” Patrick admitted.
    â€œWell, someone better tell her.”
    â€œDo you think she’s up to it?” Obviously, Patrick believed the elderly woman was too infirm.
    Shirley chuckled. “You better send someone to go get her. She’s liable to start heading this way with her walker if she sees it on the news.”
    â€œI’ll check on it.”
    Julia figured Hank or Dennis would be headed over to Hillsville soon.
    From her vantage point near the coffee station, Julia looked over the crowd. The families were grouped together and Patrick made the rounds. When he stopped in front of her, he hesitated.
    â€œAre you here alone?”
    She nodded, meeting his gaze, defying him to make an issue of it. He handed her a sheet of paper and a stubby pencil that had seen better days. The blank page blurred. She couldn’t begin to think what to do with it. Instead, she folded it and shoved it into her pocket with the pencil.
    Patrick moved away, but not before squeezing her shoulder.
    Another man’s voice startled her. “Are you Julia?” She looked up at the bear of a man who had hugged Trish.
    â€œY-yes.”
    He stuck out his hand. “Walt Robinson. I wanted to thank you for watchin’ after my girl.”
    Julia nodded and slipped her hand into